North Hudson jitney bus drivers make a case for more respectful treatment

More than 150 jitney bus drivers from the Bergenline Drivers Association met last week with Mayor Felix Roque at Town Hall, still smarting from what they say is harassment from state officials.

The drivers, many of whom compete against each other for passengers on heavily traveled roads from North Bergen to Bayonne, have banded together to voice their complaints about how they are treated at random inspections.

“We had this meeting due to the frustration from the abuse and mistreatment from the (Motor Vehicle Commission) and the Prosecutor’s Office,” said Nasser Saaeallah, a driver. “We have no issues with summonses or tickets, but we have issues with the treatment . . . we are not second-rate citizens.”

Drivers say the state has dramatically increased spot inspections of vehicles in North Hudson, forcing many buses off the road for long periods of the day.

Earlier this month at a municipal lot in West New York, 20 to 30 jitney buses were idling, waiting to be inspected. Police, sheriff’s officers and MVC employees conducted the inspections.

Roque has spoken with a number of drivers, and some told him stories of cellphones being taken away during the inspections.

“These drivers are stating that their rights are being violated,” Roque stated. “(The drivers) come to America to enjoy the freedom and now they’re treated worse than they were in their home country.

“. . . If they’re right, I’ll fight this until the end. I don’t tolerate abuse; that’s the reason I left Cuba,” Roque added.

Francisco Torres, a former candidate for the 32nd District state Assembly seat, said: “This looks like a discrimination issue to me.”

Roque said he hopes to have a meeting with Hudson County Prosecutor Edward DeFazio to discuss the inspections.

“I’m sure we can figure out what the problem is and come up with a solution,” Roque said.

The West New York Police Department, the Hudson County Sheriff’s Department, the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Insurance Fraud Unit, and the West New York Traffic Bureau participated in the inspection at issue.

Ivan Alava, a Jitney bus driver and a volunteer community organizer for NJ Action 21, voiced suspicions the day of the inspections.

“Drivers are failing (inspection) for very small infractions, such as a slightly loose panel, an emergency exit sticking, or low tire pressure,” Alava said. “The inspections begin at 7:30 a.m., with no lunch break, and this can take over 10 hours,” he added.

“Some of the buses are in bad condition, we agree with and understand that, but there has to be a better way to do this,” said Jose Valdez, a fellow driver and President of the Bergenline Drivers organization.